News

Starbucks Coffee Company's first store in Panama is located in Panama City, in the Street Mall shopping center. With a 28-ft. high ceiling, the focal point of the 3,304-sq.-ft. store is a one-of-a-kind custom made hanging mobile, designed to represent the Geisha coffee plant, which signifies the birth of the coffee industry in Panama.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued a strenuous objection to what it called the Department of Labor’s “flawed” overtime proposal.

San Jose, Calif. – The nation’s largest online marketplace is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and it’s marking the occasion with a special shopping event — and a traveling Airstream trailer.

Toronto – Consumers are willing share their personal data with brands — even though they feel they aren’t getting much value in return.

According to a new study from marketing loyalty and analytics provider Aimia, 80% of consumers around the world are willing to share key pieces of personal information with brands.  

Yet only 8% of consumers around the world feel as though they are actually receiving better offers from companies as a result of sharing their details.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores is helping consumers have a very omnichannel holiday season.

The retailer will provide the option to buy items online and pick up in store at all stores nationwide with premier, designated parking for customers picking up their purchases.

Rockaway, N.J. - In anticipation for the Halloween season, Party City will hire an additional 20,000 employees nationwide.

The retailer is hiring Halloween associates to undertake a variety of positions at its 900 stores.

Employees undergo a specialized training program to gain Halloween costume product knowledge.

West Des Moines, Iowa - Midwestern convenience retailer Kum & Go is streamlining the coming and going of data.

The chain has selected G.O.L.D. Space Optimization software with centralized data management from Symphony EYC to simplify the merchandising process across its stores.

Recently an investment banking colleague from HT Capital Advisors mentioned to me that Bombfell, an online men’s clothing subscription service, received $1 million in venture capital funding. Under the business model, an online personal stylist personally selects each member’s items and sends them to the shopper, with free shipping. The shopper only pays for what he keeps (he has 10 days to decide) and then returns the rest, also with no shipping charge. On the heels of that chat, I read about MM.LaFleur, a similar model for women.  

Seattle – Amazon is priming the appetites of customers in Seattle with a new feature of its Prime Now one-hour delivery service.

Members of the Amazon Prime paid loyalty program in Seattle can order delivery from participating local restaurants using the Prime Now mobile app.

Prime members can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders and track the status of their delivery in real time. Once an order is placed, Amazon delivery drivers pick up and deliver the food within an hour or less.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holding Corp. is protecting the assets of its pension fund following the creation of its Seritage Growth Properties real estate investment trust (REIT).

The company has entered into a five-year agreement with Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. (PBGC) to guarantee that it will continue to make required contributions to the fund.